Auto Retail Bulletin

Magazine

The UK auto retail sector is a vibrant, fast-moving business landscape. And like any market subject to constant change, its success depends on senior executives with a forward-thinking, strategic vision. Not keeping up with commercial, technological and regulatory developments that happen on a weekly – or even daily – basis simply isn't an option.
Through our innovative magazines, reports and events, Auto Retail Network cuts through the burden of information that bombards the industry’s executives and decision makers. We prioritise, analyse and condense key developments and trends, and tell you what you need to know in as few words as possible.
In a nutshell, Auto Retail Network keeps you better informed while saving you valuable time and energy. So instead of having to wade through countless pages of free trade magazines, you’re free to do what you do best: running your business. Source

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Recent Articles

auto-retail.co.uk
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No-haggle retailer Rockar has sold its Hyundai division to neighbouring Motorline for an undisclosed sum. The deal was revealed to Auto Retail Network by Hyundai’s UK boss Tony Whitehorn ahead of the brand’s annual dealer conference which starts today. The manufacturer owns the lease for Rockar’s two Hyundai stores in the London shopping centres Bluewater and Westfield Stratford. It is understood the manufacturer was instrumental in moving the business to Motorline.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Citroen is planning on expanding its recently launched city retailing scheme, with locations being assessed for a UK site. Citroen’s ceo, Linda Jackson, said: “I would love there to be one in the UK. I was in the UK in January discussing where.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Many young people today say gender matters less. While they may not be buyers today, should this be something retailers take on board and incorporate into their sales strategies? That could be somewhat difficult for retailers charged with selling the new DS 3 Black Lézard, which comes, on delivery, with a free ‘clutch’ handbag in the same reptile pattern as the roof.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Lawyers are warning private sector employers could face gender-based pay claims spurred by the Tesco case. Around 100 Tesco employees, represented by law firm Leigh Day, have launched a group claim, arguing the work of female shop floor workers is equivalent to that of male warehouse staff, who currently earn £3 an hour more. If successful, some 200,000 women could receive back pay totalling around £20,000 each and legal experts have said the case could cost Tesco as much as £4 billion.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Renault has reduced its new car warranty from an above-average four years/100,000 miles to the industry-standard three years/60,000 miles, effective from 1 February. A spokesman for the manufacturer said the decision was driven by the majority of customers changing their cars at less than three years. “A lot of our customers, although they’re taking a four-year term, they’re renewing at three years, so we were offering them something that’s not as much benefit as it could be.

auto-retail.co.uk
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The performance of used car sales operations is often the primary differentiator between a ‘top’ retailer and an average one. And in an environment of falling new car sales, every used car department needs to up its game if auto retailers are to thrive in 2018. In a challenging market where used car sales are increasingly important to auto retailers, competition is fiercer than ever.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Pendragon has seen its profit before tax fall for the second year running with a drop of 10.5% to £65.3 million during 2017, while turnover last year increased by 4.5% to £4.74 billion. The results come after Pendragon stated it was starting a turnaround plan to step the decline in profits with a sale of its US operations, a sale of some premium sites in the UK and a focus on used cars.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Subaru and its Isuzu importer IM Group is to launch a service plan within the second quarter of 2018. The company does not currently offer such a scheme but believes an official plan is necessary to keep pace with the rest of the industry.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Where do you stand on warranties? Are they a useful earner for your workshop or can they cause more trouble than they are worth because of exclusions? Coachworks Consulting, which advises retailers on business strategy, recently pointed out the best route to maximising warranty sales for used cars is to encourage these through the aftersales department, rather than at point of sale.

auto-retail.co.uk
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Subaru is expected to announce the appointment of Chris Graham as its new managing director this week. According to parent company IM Group’s website, Graham is currently managing director of Citroen Ireland. The company has yet to confirm whether or not Graham will also become MD of fellow IM Group brand Isuzu. Outgoing managing director, Paul Tunnicliffe, has been at the helm of all IM Group UK vehicle brands since 2009, including Daihatsu, which exited the European market in 2013.

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